Lessons learned from an intern…

After four years of internships in the government, nonprofit and corporate sectors, I consider myself exceptionally fortunate to have never had to fetch a cup of coffee. I have learned from each experience and have forged strong and lasting relationships with my employers. However, I did have days in which I would desperately peer out of the tiny closet-turned-office, searching for human contact.

The hours of envelope stuffing and file cabinet organizing were worth the inspiring mentors I have worked with through the years. My experience with a variety of organizations and internship programs has highlighted key areas in which the employer/intern relationship can flourish or wilt.

The difference between an extra body in the copy room and a contributing asset to the team can occur through a few key elements. Although notorious for their low totem pole status, interns can be an instrumental force to your staff.

Communication

The mental environment an employer creates for an intern is essential to the demolition of any physical distance between offices. If you are always away from your desk or offsite, it can be hard for an intern to get ahold of you. Explaining early and often how you prefer to be contacted with certain questions or projects will help you both get things done efficiently.

Accessibility

Moderation is key to an employer’s accessibility level with his or her intern. While it’s important for interns to learn independently and understand time management, the occasional update from you goes a long way. When you offer a general outline of your schedule, interns can plot around your office time to run things by you while you are in the office. On the other hand, be careful not to hover. Make sure to allow sufficient time for progress to be made before pressuring them with an update request.

Conversation

I have coined the possessive intern theory term to explain a common behavior between an intern and other employees in the office. Even if an intern doesn’t report to you directly, it is still okay and most likely beneficial to acknowledge and chat with them. Including interns in daily conversation helps them feel more comfortable in the working environment and incorporates them into the office on a more personal level.